Browsing by Subject "Substance Abuse and Addiction"
Now showing 1 - 18 of 18
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item An Assessment of Treatment Outcomes and Perceptions of Care Amongst a Female Dual Diagnosis Population in Texas(2005-05-21) Garza, Monica J.; Doug A. Mains; T.J. Fairchild; Kristine LykensGarza, Monica J., An Assessment of Treatment Outcomes and Perceptions of Care Amongst a Female Dual Diagnosis Population in Texas. Master of Public Health (Management and Policy), May 2005, 109 pp., 42 Figures, 62 bibliography titles. The purpose of this study was to examine substance abuse services for the female population in Texas to ascertain whether a relationship existed between treatment settings, the severity of specified populations, and reported attitudes/perceptions of care. The study assessed sixty-four variables using an IRB-approved four-page survey instrument completed by 239 women receiving substance abuse treatment at outpatient and residential treatment settings. Statistical analyses included independent sample t-tests, correlations, and descriptive findings. The study found that the outpatient population of women surveyed a greater level of treatment satisfaction. Both study hypotheses were rejected. These evaluations will help Texas policy analysts, acknowledge a greater need for substance abuse trend studies.Item An Epidemiological Profile of Poisoning Episodes Among Texans Utilizing Hospital Discharge Survery Data(2003-05-01) Ramisetty-Mikler, Suhasini; Rene, Antonio; Blakely, Sally; Mains, DouglasRamisetty-Mikler, Suhasini, An Epidemiological Profile of Poisoning Episodes Among Texans Utilizing Hospital Discharge Survey Data. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), May, 2003, 68pp., 15 tables, references, 43 titles. This retrospective study of hospital discharge data provides an epidemiological profile of admissions, type of poisoning causing the hospitalization, and the intent of injury among Texans (N=12,541) during 1999. Overall, females are more frequently admitted, the rates increased with age through age 50 and declined thereafter among non-HIV patients. Psychotropic drugs and analgesics are the top two substances causing more than half of all admissions and one-third among children under age 14. Approximately 61% of all poisoning admissions are self-inflicted. The self-infliction risk is two times greater among non-HIV females and is highest (8 fold) among teenagers (age 15 to 17) compared to children 14 years or younger. The risk decreased with age (7 fold) through middle ages and dropped significantly after age 40 (4.5 times). Self-infliction is less likely after age 60. Whites are 1.5 times more likely than Blacks to self inflict among both HIV and non-HIV patients.Item Body Image, Depressed Mood, Weight Concerns, and Risky Sexual Behaviors Among Female Adolescents(2006-05-01) Marshall, Khiya J.Marshall, Khiya J., Body Image, Depressed Mood, Weight Concerns, and Risky Sexual Behaviors among Female Adolescents. Doctor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences), May 2006, 75 pp., 17 tables, bibliography, 90 titles. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and growth, both emotionally and physically, particularly for adolescent females. The literature lacks specific research pertaining to female adolescent females. The literature lacks specific research pertaining to female adolescent’s body image and other concerns and their association with risky sexual behaviors. Using secondary data from the 2003 Dallas Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS; 9th-12th grade), this study explored the relationship between body image, having a depressed mood, and weight control behaviors and how these may translate into risky sexual behaviors among Dallas Independent School District (DISD) adolescent females. Most respondents were African American and Hispanic. The main hypotheses were: a) African American and Hispanic adolescent females will be more likely to have a depressed mood, an unrealistic body image, or weight control behaviors compared to Caucasian adolescent females; and b) Adolescents with unrealistic body image, depressed mood, and weight control behaviors will be more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, regardless of race or ethnicity. As hypothesized, more African American and Hispanic adolescents had a depressed mood, and more Hispanics had an unrealistic body image compared to Caucasians. The hypothesis that depressed mood and unrealistic body image would be significant predictors of engaging in risky sexual behaviors was corroborated only for depressed mood. Engaging in weight control, although hypothesized as not a significant predictor, was a significant predictor for using alcohol/drugs before his last sexual intercourse. School-based sexual education programs that target adolescent females in DISD should focus on abstinence or consistent condom use if sexually active, weight control behaviors, and depressed mood and its implications.Item Cardiac Parasympathetic Dysfunction in Morphine Addiction(1997-12-01) Napier, Leslie D.; Caffrey, James L.; Raven, Peter B.; Gwirtz, Patricia A.Napier, Leslie D., Cardiac Parasympathetic Dysfunction in Morphine Addiction. Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences), December, 1997, 137 pp., 9 tables, 22 figures, references, 163 titles. The effects of chronic morphine treatment on parasympathetic control of the heart and associated cellular mechanisms were examined using a canine model. Vagal bradycardia was significantly blunted in dogs treated for one week with subcutaneous morphine pellets. In a separate group of dogs, heart rate and high frequency fluctuations in heart rate declined during the first three hours of subcutaneous morphine infusion consistent with the vagatonic action of acute morphine. Heart rate remained below baseline on Day 2 of the morphine infusion but had returned to normal by Day 10. Ambient sympathetic tone was increased on Days 2 and 10, and plasma catecholamines were elevated on Day 2. The intrinsic heart rates on Days 2 (160 bpm) and 10 (162 bpm) of morphine treatment were lower than the pre-treatment rate (182 bpm). Suggested mechanisms include a fundamental change in sinoatrial nodal cell function or attenuated tachycardia induced by vasoactive intestinal peptide co-released with acetylcholine from post-ganglionic parasympathetic neurons. The time to 50% maximal bradycardia during vagal nerve stimulation was increased with chronic and acute morphine suggesting an effect on the rate of acetylcholine synthesis, release or degradation. Muscarinic receptor density in left ventricular and right atrial sarcolemmal membranes from dogs treated chronically with morphine were 34% and 17% higher, respectively, than in control animals. Chronic morphine had no effect on basal or MnCl2-stimulated cyclase activity in either region. Similarly, maximal β-adrenergic and muscarinic receptor/G-protein coupling to adenylate cyclase were not altered by chronic morphine. Atrial norepinephrine content was higher than that in the ventricles and was unaltered by morphine. Ventricular norepinephrine was decreased with chronic but not acute morphine treatment. Epinephrine was evenly distributed throughout the myocardium and was reduced in both the atria and the ventricles by either acute or chronic morphine. This pattern suggests that morphine may reduce extraneuronal uptake of catecholamines. Collectively these studies show that chronic morphine treatment and the accompanying persistent vagal activity may reduce parasympathetic function. This attenuated function, however, is short-lived since sympathetic systems adapt with compensatory responses masking, or perhaps reversing, initial parasympathetic deficits.Item “Ecstasy” to Addiction: Mechanistic and Reinforcing Effects of Synthetic Cathinone Analogs of MDMA(2017-05-01) Dolan, Sean B.; Gatch, Michael B.; Huang, Ren-Qi; Forster, Michael J.Following widespread scheduling, many synthetic cathinone compounds have been diverted from “bath salts” to “Ecstasy” tablets or “Molly” powder formulations in addition to or in lieu of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The current study aimed to assess the mechanism and reinforcing effects of three under-researched synthetic cathinone analogs of MDMA frequently used as adulterants in “Ecstasy” formulations: methylone, butylone, and pentylone. To assess the mechanism of these compounds in vitro, we utilized whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology on HEK293 cells expressing the serotonin transporter (SERT). The abuse-related, in vivo mechanisms were determined using a drug discrimination assay with rats trained to discriminate methamphetamine, the hallucinogenic phenethylamine 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM), or MDMA from vehicle, and drugs that substituted were tested with the D1-like receptor antagonist SCH23390 to assess relative differences in dopaminergic signaling. The reinforcing effects were assessed in an intravenous self-administration assay using continuous and progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement. Methylone and butylone, like MDMA, produced inward currents at SERT, indicative of a substrate-like mechanism. Each test compound fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine. MDMA, methylone, and butylone substituted partially for DOM, and methylone and butylone substituted fully for MDMA. Pentylone, conversely, substituted partially for MDMA, but failed to substitute for DOM. SCH23390 fully and dose-dependently attenuated methamphetamine-appropriate responding, with pentylone being least sensitive to these antagonistic effects, but failed to attenuate MDMA-like responding against MDMA, methylone, and butylone. Each test compound maintained robust self-administration under a continuous schedule of reinforcement, but pentylone was the most reinforcing test compound under a progressive ratio. These data indicate that methylone and butylone produce complex discriminative stimulus effects, similar to MDMA, that are mediated by both dopamine and serotonin, whereas pentylone is predominately dopaminergic. The underlying differences in relative dopaminergic and serotonergic mechanisms likely influence the relative abuse liability, with pentylone’s predominately dopaminergic mechanism conferring a greater reinforcing efficacy relative to the more serotonergic methylone and butylone. In conclusion, incorporation of these compounds into “Ecstasy” formulations, especially pentylone, may lead to compulsive, uncontrolled use of “Ecstasy”.Item Hispanic Female Adolescents at Risk for Suicide and the Use of Illicit Drugs(2006-10-01) Luncheon, CecilyLuncheon, Cecily. M.D., M.P.H. Hispanic Female Adolescents at Risk for Suicide and the Use of Illicit Drugs. Doctor of Public Health, Fall 2006, 88 p.p., 31 tables, bibliography, 77 titles. This study examines the hypothesis that Latina adolescents in high school who were at risk for suicide are more likely to use illicit drugs than Non-Latinas in high school who are at risk for suicide. Data was analyzed from the 2003 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavioral Survey. A national sample of 9th-12th grades students participated in a self-administrated questionnaire at school. The study who conducted based on 6,826 Hispanic/Latinas, black, non-Hispanic and white, non-Hispanic female adolescents. Three at risk for suicide, nine frequent illicit drugs and three controlling variables were chosen to conduct the study. Chi-square test assessed the significant of difference between races and binary logistic regression models were utilized to estimate the association between at risk for suicide and drug use. Among the three race/ethnicities who were at risk for suicide, Hispanic/Latinas had the highest drug use prevalence. The first logistic regression model that seriously consider attempting suicide were associated with Latinas (OR= 1/0.68 [95% CI, 1/0.53-1/0/87]), suburban youth (1.28 [1.02-1.63]), marijuana (1.79 [1.49-2.16]), inhalants (2.58 [1/46-3.28]), and steroids without MD’s prescription (1.98 [1.32-2.99]). The second logistic regression model established that those who made a suicide plan were associated with Latinas (OR=1/0.66 [95% CI, 1/0.48-1/0.91]), marijuana (1.40 [1.00-1.95]), inhalants (3.18 [2.05-3.79]), methamphetamines (2.21 [1.42-3.76]), and used a needle to inject any illegal drug (4.24 [1.29-12.66]). While the third logistic regression model found that attempted suicide were associated with Latinas (OR= 1/0.67 [95% CI, 1/0.48-1/0.94]), 11th and 12th grades (0.66 [0.46-0.94]) and (0.40 [0.27-0.60]), marijuana 2.50 [1.99-3.16]), cocaine (1.67 [1.09-2.58]), inhalants (2.69 [1.89-3.82]), methamphetamines, taken steroids without MD’s prescription (1.95 [1.12-3.40]) and used a needle to inject any illegal drug (4.30 [1.16-15.87]). Greater awareness about the physical and mental health status of Latinas are needed to ensure that good mental health programs are available for Latina adolescents.Item HIV Related Risk Behaviors: A Comparitive Study of Urban, Suburban, and Rural U.S. Adolescents(2006-08-01) Patil, Godavari D.; Karan Singh; Sejong Bae; Francise Soto MasGodavari D. Patil, HIV Related Risk Behaviors: A Comparative Study of Urban, Suburban, and Rural U.S. Adolescents. Masters of Public Health (Biostatistics), August 2006, 120 pp., 29 tables, References, 209 titles. This explorative study YRBS 2003 data provides the prevalence of HIV-related risky sexual behaviors and predictors of such behaviors across gender, race/ethnicity, and metro status (N=15, 214) during 2003. Overall, more urban male adolescents engaged in health-compromising behaviors. A significant association was found between gender, race/ethnicity, and metro status and sexual behaviors and associated risk behaviors such as alcohol, drug use, and mental health indicators. These associated risk behaviors were not only associated among themselves and with sexual behaviors variables but also turned out to be responsible predictor variables for HIV related sexual risk behaviors. Minority groups especially black adolescents were at higher risk of contracting HIV infection as having multiple sexual partners was highest (8 fold) among black adolescents compared to mixed & other race, and Hispanic adolescents. Suburban adolescents were nearly two times more likely that rural and urban adolescents to having multiple partners. Results indicated that younger the age more the involvement in sexual and other risky behaviors.Item Is There a Relationship Between Impulsiveness, Risk Perception, Alcohol Problems, Race/Ethnicity, and Alcohol-Related Injury Type?(2006-05-01) Hamann, Cara; Cardarelli, Kathryn; Field, Craig; Fischbach, LoriThis cross-sectional study examined the associations between impulsiveness, risk perception, alcohol problems, race/ethnicity and alcohol-related intentional injury of 1504 White, Black, and Hispanic trauma patients from the emergency department at a Level 1 Trauma center in Dallas, Texas. After controlling for race/ethnicity, age, gender, education, marital status, drug use, and annual frequency of heavy drinking, injury-related alcohol problems within the past 12 months (OR= 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.18) had a moderate effect on intentional injury. Impulsiveness (total score, motor, and non-planning) and alcohol problems (total score, physical, interpersonal, social responsibility, and injury) had moderate effects on intentional injury in univariate analyses, but these effects became null in multivariate analyses. Race/ethnicity had a large effect on injury type in all models considered in the study, with Blacks (estimated ORs ranged from 3.06 to 3.54, 95% CIs ranged from 2.08 to 5.18) and Hispanics (estimated ORs ranged from 2.29 to 2.47, 95% CIs ranged from 1.61 to 3.52) having greater odds of intentional in jury in comparison to Whites in univariate and multivariate analyses. Overall, race/ethnicity and injury-related alcohol problems were the only variable of interest that showed effects on intentional injury. Lack of significant results may be partially explained the use of ICD-9 codes to categorize injury type. Future studies should address limitations and alternatives of using ICD-9 codes to evaluate psychological and behavioral factors.Item Mental Health Pathology, Sustance Use Disorders, and Criminality in the Tarrant County Treatment Alternatives to Incarceration Program Probationer Population: Implications Regarding Mental Health Screening, Assessment, and Treatment Referral Practices(2009-05-01) Effinger, William L.; Cardarelli, RobertoThe purpose of this study was to highlight the magnitude and severity of mental health pathology in the Tarrant County Treatment Alternatives to Incarceration Program (TC-TAIP) probationer population and its significant associations with substance use and criminality. The results of this study report a heavy presence of current, symptomatic mental health pathology that is associated with increased criminality. The relationship between mental health pathology and probationer criminality was mediated by substance use. This study concludes that TC-TAIP screening and referral practices must include comprehensive mental health screenings to make appropriate, individualized assessment/treatment referrals for probationers.Item Race/Hispanicity and Use of Alcohol and Illicit Drugs in the United States Construction Industry(2004-05-01) Rosario-Rosado, Rosa V.; Antonio A. Rene; Sharon Clark; Karan SinghRosario-Rosado, Rosa V., M.S. Race/Hispanicity and Use of Alcohol and Illicit Drugs in the United States Construction Industry. Doctor of Public Health (Epidemiology), May 2004, 135 pp., 19 tables, bibliography, 49 Titles. This study explored the 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse’s data in order to identify any difference in the patterns of substance use among different groups represented in the national construction industry. The study included male, 18 years and older, self-classified as U.S.-born non-Hispanic Whites, U.S.-born non-Hispanic African Americans, U.S.-born Hispanics or immigrant Hispanics with different lengths of stay in the U.S. (less than five years; five years to less than 10 years; and 10 or more years), that indicated working in the construction industry. Substances of interest were alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, crack, heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, and psychotherapeutics. Differences by race/hispanicity in substance use were found. Immigrant Hispanics living in the U.S. for less than five years were significantly (p [less than] .0001) less likely to use substances as compared to other groups. Immigrant Hispanics with five to less than 10 years and those with 10 or more years living in the U.S. were 1.096 (95% CL = 1.079 to 1.112) and 1.160 (95% CL= 1.146 to 1.175) times more likely to use any illicit drug during past year, respectively, when compared with U.S.-born Hispanics. Characteristics associated with the past year and the past month use of substances were: working for a small company, missing two or more whole days of work due to sickness or injury, and skipping three or more days of work. Findings of this study suggest that, when designing substance use and abuse prevention programs, it is not only important to take into consideration differences by race/hispanicity, but that the length of stay in the U.S. also can affect the substance use behaviors of immigrant construction workers.Item Sensitization to Cocaine: Behavioral and Genetic Characterization(1998-04-01) Odom, Linda Ann; Michael Forster; Glenn Dillon; Harbans LalOdom, Linda Ann, Sensitization to Cocaine: Behavioral and Genetic Characterization. Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacology). April 1998, 141 pages, 2 tables, 23 figures, 89 references. Conditioned associations between environmental context and cocaine effects may play a significant role in acquisition and maintenance of cocaine dependence. Conditioning may also contribute significantly to cocaine sensitization, a leftward shift in the cocaine dose-response curve that is attributable to cocaine pre-exposure. Both studies examined the sensitization of cocaine’s behavioral effects after one or four prior exposures to cocaine in two distinct environments, allowing evaluation of the acquisition and magnitude of sensitization to cocaine and the contribution of conditioning to sensitization. An extinction component was added to the second study to allow determination of persistence of context-dependent sensitization in C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice. The purpose of the first study was to fully characterize the quantity and quality of the sensitized behavioral response to cocaine in Swiss Webster mice and to determine parameters for sensitization in the second study. Results of this study indicated that pairing cocaine to the testing environment resulted in a leftward shift of the dose-response curves for both horizontal and stereotypy measures and a concurrent decrease in maximal effect of cocaine on horizontal distance and an increase in maximal effect of cocaine on horizontal distance and an increase in maximal effect of cocaine on stereotypy. The multivariate behavior profile indicated that the sensitized response to cocaine was best observed in response to 1 to 5 mg/kg cocaine, and that the conditioned response elicited by saline following cocaine pre-exposure closely resembled the 10 mg/kg acute cocaine response. The overall purpose of the second study was to determine if genetic differences in various aspects of such conditioned associations could contribute to individual differences in cocaine dependence. It was determined that, although DBA/2 mice had a faster rate of acquisition of context-dependent sensitization to cocaine than C57/BL6 mice, the multivariate behavior profile of the conditioned response of C57BL/6 mice resembled the behavior observed with a higher dose of acute cocaine and had greater magnitude and greater persistence than that of DBA/2 mice, which may explain in part the susceptibility of the C57BL/6 mice to cocaine dependence.Item Sexually Dimorphic Anxiety-Like Interoceptive Discriminative Stimuli(1997-12-01) Jung, Marianna E.; Walls, Cleatus; Downey, H. Fred; Forster, MichaelJung, Marianna E., Sexually Dimorphic Anxiety-Like Interoceptive Discriminative Stimuli. Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences), December 1997, 150 pp, introduction, 2 chapters, discussion, bibliography, 109 titles. This study compared gender differences in the anxiogenic stimuli induced by either a GABA-A antagonist, pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) or by a 5-HT1b/2 agonist, m-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP) before and during ethanol withdrawal (EW). Rats were trained to discriminate either PTZ (16mg/kg, IP) or m-CPP (1.2 mg/kg, IP) from saline in a two lever choice task for food reward. Male and female rats were gonadectomized or sham-operated, and ovariectomized (OVX) female rats were tested during replacement treatment with 17β estradiol (2.5 mg, 21 day release, sc). The dose-response for the discrimination of the interoceptive stimulus (IDS) produced by PTZ (0-16 mg/kg) or m-CPP (0 to 1.2 mg/kg) was measured under all hormonal conditions. For m-CPP trained rats, latency to first lever-press response was also tested. Results: sham and estradiol-replaced female rats had higher ED50s for discrimination of the PTZ or m-CPP IDS than intact males or OVX rats. There is a dose-related impairment of operant responding after mCPP injection. Sham and estradiol replaced OVX rats showed an increased delay to the initiation of response after m-CPP injection as compared to sham or castrated male rats or OVX rats that showed no effect at the doses tested. Rats then received a chronic ethanol diet (6.5%) for 10 days. At twelve hours of ethanol withdrawl, they were tested for lever selection after saline injection. Fewer sham female and estradiol-replaced female rats responded on the drug lever during acute EW as compared to sham male, castrated or OVX rats. In general, the anxiogenic drug lever selection of OVX rats resembled that of male rats but was restored toward that of sham female rats by estradiol replacement. Castration did not alter the response of male rats to either PTZ or mCPP. Serum β –estradiol concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay for sham, OVX, and estradiol-replaced female rats. The concentration was significantly higher in hormone-replaced female rats than in OVX. The estradiol concentration in sham female rats showed a cyclic pattern over 4 consecutive days, but this pattern did not correlate with any difference in IDS. Blood ethanol concentration (BEC) was determined using head space gas chromatography. BEC was higher in intact female rats than in intact male rats after ethanol injection (2 g/kg, ip), but did not differ during EW. Conclusions: females produce less anxiogenic IDS in response to either GABA inhibition or 5-HT1b/2 activation, but are more impaired by m-CPP in their ability to initiate operant responses than male rats. In addition, fewer intact females developed a spontaneous IDS during EW than males which is not the result of lower BEC. Estrogen appears to play a trophic role in altering responsiveness to anxiogenic stimuli.Item Synergy 2011: Annual Research Report(2011-01-01)Item The Dose Dependent Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Cardiovascular Disease and Its Risk Facotrs-A Systematic Review(2007-12-01) Bhamidimarri, Kalyan Ram; Karan SinghBhamidimarri, Kalyan R; The Dose Dependent Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Cardiovascular Disease and Its Risk Factors-A Systematic Review. Master of Public Health (Biostatistics), December 2007, 41 pp; 2 tables, 3 illustrations, bibliography, 60 titles. Effects of alcohol on cardiovascular health are varied and conflicting. Moderate alcohol drinking has been shown to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease by having a direct influence on vascular and haemostatic factors or indirectly by influencing atherosclerosis, cholesterol and insulin resistance. Studies about effects of alcohol on cardiovascular diseases and its risk factors published through 1995 to 2007 were searched in different databases and those meeting eligibility criteria were analyzed. Thirty one studies were reviewed and data analyzed to verify dose dependent effects of alcohol. Although several factors account for different effects of alcohol, moderate consumption of alcohol amounting to less than one drink or 14 grams per day is protective for cardiovascular disease possibly due to its impact on the risk factors. Randomized controlled studies which can be done in this regard might clearly suggest a dose dependent effect of alcohol on cardiovascular and overall survival.Item The Effects of Media Exposure on Alcohol Consumption Patters within the African American Population(2005-05-01) Miller, Vanessa G.; Lykens, Kristine; Quinn, James; Cipher, DaishaMiller, Vanessa G., The Effects of Media Exposure on Alcohol Consumption Patterns within the African American Population. Doctor of Public Health (Health Management and Policy), May 2005, 206 pp., 62 tables, 8 illustrations, references, 77 titles. Objectives- The study examined the role of media exposure on alcohol consumption patterns in the African American population. In studying the role of media exposure, the study also examined the role of ethnicity, mood/affect, socio-demographic factors and religion on alcohol consumption patterns in this population. Methods- Secondary analysis of the General Social Survey (GSS), 1972-2002 cumulative data file was used to provide quantitative estimates of the relationship between media exposure, ethnicity, mood/affect, socio-demographic factors, and religiosity as predictors of alcohol consumption. Path analysis was used to determine the direct and indirect effects of these concepts on alcohol consumption patterns. Results- Watching television and reading the newspaper were significant predictors of alcohol use. Watching television had a positive effect on alcohol use; but only in the absence of religiosity. When religiosity was present, as indicated by religious affiliation and attendance at religious services, watching television had a significant negative effect on alcohol use. Reading the newspaper had a negative effect on alcohol use; but this effect was not very significant. Watching TV also had a significant positive effect on alcohol abuse. Reading the newspaper had an effect on alcohol abuse but this effect was not significant. IN the presence of religiosity, neither watching TV nor reading the newspaper had a significant effect on alcohol abuse. The effects of religiosity could also be seen on the relationships between alcohol consumption and socializing patterns, age, sex, ethnicity, and income. The year of the GSS survey had a significant positive effect of television viewing and a significant negative effect on reading the newspaper. Race did not have a significant effect on alcohol use or abuse. Conclusion- This research has significant policy implications, as it indicates that exposure to media, thus exposure to advertising, had an effect on alcohol consumption. Religiosity appeared to act as a protective mechanism against the adverse effects of media exposure, as they relate to alcohol consumption. This research provides support for the implementation of more faith-based initiatives to combat substance abuse (especially alcohol abuse). It also sets the foundation for additional research on the effects of advertising on alcohol consumption, looking at the media revolution of the 21st century.Item The Effects of Verbal, General, and Tailored Messages on Participation in a Psychiatric Chemical Dependency Aftercare Program(2002-05-01) Biggs, Quinn M.; Claudia Coggin; Antonio A. ReneBiggs, Quinn M., B.A., The Effects of Verbal, General, and Tailored Messages on Participation in a Psychiatric Chemical Dependency Aftercare Program. Masters of Public Health (Health Behavior), May 2002, 51 pp., 1 table, references, 25 titles. Chemical dependency is a major problem in the United States. Treatment programs are often short-term, relapse rates are high, and continued support is vital for sobriety. Aftercare programs provide continued support, but information encouraging attendance must be effective. Tailored vs. non-tailored health information has been found influential for behavioral change. This study determined the effectiveness of verbal, general, and tailored messages on participation in an aftercare program. Adult patients (N=193) of a psychiatric chemical dependency treatment program were recruited at the time of discharge. Follow up included phone survey and aftercare attendance records. Contrary to hypothesis, there were no significant differences in initial aftercare attendance, recall of aftercare information, or usefulness of information. However, tailored message recipients were significantly more likely to find aftercare interesting, and effect sizes indicated that tailored message recipients found aftercare more helpful and participants were more likely to return to aftercare.Item The Involvement of D1 and D2 Dopamine Receptors in Cocaine Self-Administration(1996-06-01) Peltier, Rachel; Michael Forster; Patricia A. Gwirtz; Thomas YorioPeltier, Rachel L., The Involvement of D1 and D2 Dopamine Receptors in Cocaine Self-Administration. Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences), June 1996, 195 pp. introduction, 6 chapters, discussion, bibliography, 91 titles. D1 and D2 dopamine receptor subtypes have been implicated in producing the reinforcing properties of cocaine. Chronic exposure to cocaine produces tolerance to its reinforcing effects in rats trained to self-administer cocaine. The time between cocaine reinforcers (ISRT) is directly related to dose. A three-point dose-response curve (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/inj) for cocaine self-administration is obtained during a single test session, allowing determination of optimal tolerance effects of cocaine (20 mg/kg/8 hr/7 days; IP) as demonstrated by a shift of the curve to the right. To test if pharmacokinetic factors contribute to the development of tolerance to the reinforcing properties of cocaine (20 mg/kg/8hr/7days; IP), cocaine and benzoylecgonine (metabolite) were measured in the plasma and brains of rats given a challenge injection of cocaine (2.0 mg/kg; I.V.). Chronic cocaine did not reduce the concentration of cocaine must be due to pharmacodynamics changes. Acute pretreatment with either the direct dopamine agonists d-amphetamine (0.32-3.2 mg/kg) or methamphetamine (1.0 mg/kg) did not consistently change cocaine self-administration. Chronic high-dose treatment with d-amphetamine and methamphetamine produced cross-tolerance to the reinforcing effects of cocaine but apomorphine (0.32-3.2 mg/kg) did not. In contrast, acute pretreatment with dopamine antagonists; flupentixol (mixed D1 and D2, 0.032-1.0 mg/kg), SCH23390 (specific D1, 0.0032-0.32 mg/kg), or eticlopride (specific D2, 0.0032 -3.2 mg/kg); dose-dependently decreased the reinforcing effects of cocaine (ISRT). Chronic treatment with mixed of D1 antagonists (flupentixol, 3.2 mg/kg/12 hr/5 days; or SCH23390, 0.25 mg/kg/12 hr/7 days) produced sensitization to the reinforcing effects of cocaine, but the D2 antagonist eticlopride (0.25 mg/kg/12 hr/7 days) produced cross-tolerance to the reinforcing effects of cocaine. In summary, both the D1 and D2 receptor subtypes seem to be involved in the acute effects of cocaine; however, the development of tolerance to cocaine appears to involve only the D1 receptor subtype.